Chapter 122 Chapter 122

Chapter 122 Chapter 122
“Stopped at least for now.”
I nodded, “So, Mr Big Bad Alpha, as the eldest of the four of you, how are you feeling about all of this? I mean, I asked Brent when we only thought it was one pup. I wanted to talk to each of you, but there wasn’t really the time before we had to go into battle.”
Fin's expression softened, a rare vulnerability crossing his usually analytical face. He took my hand, his thumb tracing gentle circles against my palm.
"Terrified," he admitted quietly. "And in complete awe. Three lives, Seraphina. Three little beings who will be part mine." He shook his head, wonder replacing the momentary fear in his eyes. "I've always approached life with careful planning, with strategies and contingencies. But this..."
I squeezed his hand, understanding his struggle to articulate feelings so profound.
"I keep thinking about what they'll be like," he continued, his voice low and intimate. "Will one have your silver eyes? Will another inherit Kane's leadership or Brent's passion? Will any of them love books as much as Liam does?" A small smile curved his lips. "Will one be a little strategist, always three steps ahead?"
"I hope at least one of them inherits your calm," I said, returning his smile. "We're going to need it."
Fin laughed softly, the sound warming me from within. "Between the five of us, they'll have everything they need. Different strengths, different perspectives." His expression grew more serious. "I may not be as openly affectionate as Brent or as nurturing as Liam, but I will protect them with everything I have. I'll make sure they're prepared for whatever challenges come."
"I know you will," I whispered, touched by his sincerity.
The door opened, and Kane entered with a tray of food, his eyes brightening when he saw me awake. "Perfect timing. Clara insisted you eat something substantial when you woke."
As Kane set the tray across my lap, I caught Fin's eye and saw his mask of analytical detachment slip back into place, though the tenderness remained visible to those who knew where to look. It made me appreciate our private moment even more. Fin rarely revealed his deeper emotions so openly.
"Where are the others?" I asked, suddenly ravenous as I surveyed the hearty meal before me.
"Liam's with the Priestess, researching protective measures for the upcoming eclipse," Kane explained, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "Brent's helping integrate some of the rescued wolves who expressed interest in joining our pack."
I nodded, touched by how seamlessly my mates had stepped up during my recovery. "And Lucious?"
"Meeting with Alpha Maxwell and the allied pack leaders," Kane replied. "They're discussing long-term strategies for hunting down the remaining Northern Alliance members."
As I ate, Kane filled me in on everything I'd missed during my eighteen-hour sleep. The freed captives were being reunited with their families where possible, or offered sanctuary with allied packs if their original packs no longer existed. The children were receiving special care, with child psychologists specialising in werewolf trauma brought in to help.
"And the council meeting?" I asked, remembering the gathering that had been scheduled before everything changed. "Is it still happening?"
"Postponed," Kane replied, his dark eyes serious. "After what happened at Moonstone, even the most sceptical pack leaders recognise we're facing something bigger than pack politics. They've agreed to convene after the eclipse instead, assuming we all survive it."
I paused with my fork halfway to my mouth. "That's... ominous."
"Realistic," Fin corrected. "The entity may have been pushed back, but the Priestess believes it will make another attempt during the eclipse. The timing is too significant to ignore."
I nodded slowly, processing this information while Diamond stirred more actively within me, her strength gradually returning. Her protective instincts remained focused on our triplets, but I could feel her awareness extending outward again, vigilant for any threats.
"We should join the others," I said, pushing aside the tray after finishing most of the meal. "I need to know everything if we're going to prepare properly."
Kane's expression turned stern. "Clara was very clear that you need at least another day of rest before—"
"Before engaging in strenuous physical activity," I interrupted. "Sitting in a strategy meeting hardly qualifies."
Fin and Kane exchanged a look I knew all too well, the silent communication that preceded a unified front.
"Three hours," Fin finally conceded. "You can attend the afternoon briefing, but only if Clara approves, and only for three hours maximum."
I wanted to argue, but recognised the compromise for what it was. "Fine. But I want to see Lucious first."
They nodded, and Kane helped me from the bed. My legs were steadier than I expected, though a lingering weakness remained. I changed into comfortable clothes, noting with interest that my stomach already showed the slightest curve, barely noticeable to anyone who didn't know me intimately, but unmistakable to me. Three babies. The thought still stunned me.
Lucious was in the library with the Priestess when we found him. He looked up from an ancient text, his face lighting with relief when he saw me.
"Seraphina," he said, rising quickly to embrace me. Through our bond, I felt Apollo's golden energy reach for Diamond's silver, the two wolves acknowledging each other with the spiritual equivalent of a gentle nuzzle. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," I assured him, studying his face. He looked tired but stronger than I expected after our spiritual ordeal. "You?"
"Apollo's recovering well," he replied, understanding my real question. "Though I don't think either of us will be attempting spiritual projection again anytime soon."
The Priestess approached, her ancient eyes examining me with knowing wisdom. "The children's presence helped protect you," she said without preamble. "Their combined energy created an additional shield around your spirit."
I blinked in surprise. "They... helped?"